MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Phase Change Material (PCM) board (10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 25mm)

Phase Change Material
composite › Panelised › Phase Change Material
compositepanelisedthermal-massphase-changeenergy-efficiencypassive-coolinglightweightretrofittemperature-regulationlatent-heat
ATLAS CODE
COM-PNL-PCM-001
Phase Change Material (PCM) board (10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 25mm)
Category composite
Material Family Panelised
Density
Not specified kg/m3
Lifespan
50+ yrs
Description

PCM boards integrate micro-encapsulated phase change material within a gypsum-based board to increase thermal storage capacity. Micronal PCM SmartBoard is supplied at 15 mm thickness with operating phase change temperatures around 23-26 C.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Education][Residential]
Typical Uses
  • Ceiling thermal mass in commercial offices
  • Passive cooling in school classrooms
  • Lightweight building retrofits
  • Modular and prefabricated construction
  • Heritage building thermal upgrades
  • Passive house projects
  • Hot spot mitigation in offices
  • Solar gain management in walls
Recycled Content 0-100
Renewable Content 0-100
Recyclability 0
EPD Available No
Advantages
Lightweight alternative to conventional thermal massPassive temperature regulation without mechanical systemsReduces HVAC cycling and energy consumption (25-35% savings)Improves thermal comfort and reduces temperature swingsSuitable for retrofit applicationsNo maintenance required100+ year thermal performance lifespanCan achieve specific temperature set points
Cautions
High initial cost ($55-110/m² vs $10/m² for insulation)Requires sufficient diurnal temperature variation for rechargeLimited effectiveness in high humidity climatesNo Australian fire test data (AS1530.4)Performance Solution required for NCC complianceLimited local availability and expertiseNot recognised in NatHERS assessmentsPotential for PCM leakage if damaged
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-PNL-PCM-001
Density (Dry) Not specified kg/m3
Specific Gravity 0.24-1.2
Water Absorption < 2 %
UV Resistance Requires protection
Chemical Resistance Good
pH Tolerance 5-9
Compressive Strength 4.3-5.4 MPa
Impact Resistance Low J/m
Abrasion Resistance Low
Thermal Conductivity 0.139-0.77 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.07-0.18 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 2000-8772 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 5-12 μm/m·K
Melting Point 18-28 °C
Ignition Temperature > 200 °C
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %

PCM technology emerged from 1940s NASA research for spacecraft thermal management. Building applications developed in 1980s Europe, with microencapsulation techniques advancing in 2000s. Australian market entry circa 2010 with limited uptake. Knauf Comfortboard launched 2015, discontinued 2017. Current market dominated by imported products (BioPCM from USA, European alternatives). Growing interest driven by passive house movement and net-zero building targets, but adoption hindered by cost, lack of standards integration, and limited local expertise.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-PNL-PCM-001
Flame Spread Index 0-25
Smoke Developed Index < 450
Ignition Temperature > 200 °C
Toxicity of Combustion Low
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 100%
Renewable Content 100%
LEED Points EA credits
Skill Level Intermediate
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 0.5-1.0 hr/m²
Curing Time 0 hours
Setting Time 0 min
Temperature Range 5-40 °C
Humidity Range < 90 %
Required Tools
Standard plasterboard toolsStaple gun (for ceiling grids)Utility knifeMeasuring tapeSafety equipment
Certifications Required
None specific
Weather Limitations
Protect from moisture during installationAvoid extreme temperatures during handling
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-PNL-PCM-001
Material Cost 55-110
Installation Cost 30-50
Annual Maintenance 0
Market Availability Limited
Lead Time 4-8 weeks weeks
Design Life 50+ years
Warranty Period 10 years
Maintenance Interval None months
Service Temp Range -20 to 80 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Good
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
USDA Certified Biobased (BioPCM 100%)None available in AustraliaNon-toxic certification (product specific)
Fire Code Compliance
ASTM E84 Class A (international)AS1530.4 testing required for Australia
Standards Compliance
Performance Solution required under NCCNo Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway availableASTM E84 (Surface burning)ASTM C1784-20 (PCM testing)ASTM C518 (Thermal properties)ISO 14040 (LCA methodology)EN 15804 (EPD framework)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-PNL-PCM-001 Schema: v3.0
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